Assam: Seven communities present OBC plea before NCBC; verification underway

Guwahati: The National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC) chairman, Hansraj Gangaram Ahir, held a public hearing in Guwahati on Thursday, where representatives from seven communities in Assam pressed their case for inclusion in the central OBC list.

The communities that placed their demands before the Commission included Bishnupriya Manipuri, Bhar/Rajbhar, Newar, Bhujel, Sabar, Satnami, and Kiran Sheikh.

After the hearing, Ahir said the Commission had already initiated the process of evaluating their claims, noting that many of these groups were already recognised as OBCs at the state level. He clarified that the NCBC would strictly adhere to Supreme Court guidelines, examining documents, eligibility parameters, and socio-economic data before arriving at any decision.

Ahir also highlighted that the Assam government, under Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, had extended full support to include these communities in the central OBC list. “We assure them the process will move forward soon,” he said, adding that the Union government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi was committed to granting constitutional rights to deserving communities. He, however, emphasised that proper verification of all submitted documents remained essential.

During the proceedings, representatives of the Motok and Moran communities repeated their long-standing demand for recognition as Scheduled Tribes (ST).

They argued that they fulfilled the required criteria. Ahir acknowledged their concerns and said the Commission would review their submissions, stressing that such issues must be resolved through the principles of social justice and constitutional norms.

The hearing concluded with an assurance from the NCBC that all materials and representations would be carefully assessed before the Commission finalises its recommendations.